Too many people make this mistake without knowing what it implies for their immune defenses.
Fall often marks a blow of soft. Lower light, disruption of rhythms, fatigue, and above all greater vulnerability in the face of viruses. However, according to Audrey Bergouignan, CNRS researcher, a very simple gesture can make all the difference: “Our studies have shown that this improves several metabolic parameters: blood sugar, cholesterol, blood lipids … but also markers linked to immunity such as CRP, indicator of chronic inflammation.” Chronic inflammation is a brake on a good immune response.
Other works confirm a decrease in pro-inflammatory markers by following this habit. And, good news, the results on glucose control are even more clear in women. “It’s rare enough to be underlined!” She adds that the effects are observable from the first days of practice. “It is not a long -term strategy only. We see improvements in a few days.” What is this great habit that can prevent us from getting sick?
Avoid sitting for too long in a row. “It is not only the total duration that is problematic, but the chain of long seated periods without interruption” explains the researcher. She recommends fragment the sitting time: getting up every 30 to 45 minutes, walking a few steps, stretching, climbing a staircase. “If the intensity counts, the regularity is even more important.” The muscle needs to be activated regularly to trigger certain metabolic sensors.
This link between muscle activity and immunity is also explained by complex cellular mechanisms. “When we move, even weakly, we probably stimulate circulating immune cells, which patrol in the body”, specifies Audrey Bergouignan. The movement promotes their activation, their mobility, and their ability to respond quickly to viral assault. “”In France, we still consider that getting up during a meeting or in the office is frowned upon. But you have to reverse this standard. ” Each effort counts, even minimal, today.
